RESPONSIBILITY. Attempts to shift: Adam, Gen. 3:12, 13; Eve, Gen. 3:13; Sarah, Gen. 16:5, with v. 2; Esau, Gen. 27:36, with Gen. 25:29–34; Aaron, Ex. 32:22–24; Saul, 1 Sam. 15:20, 21; Pilate, Matt. 27:24. Assumed by the Jews for the death of Jesus, Matt. 27:25. Personal, Ezek. 18:20, 30; Matt. 12:37; John 9:41; 15:22–24; 1 Cor. 3:8, 13–15; Gal. 6:5; Rev. 2:23.According to Privilege: Ezek. 18:1–30; Ezek. 33:1–19; Matt. 10:11–15 Luke 9:5; 10:10–15. Matt. 11:20–24; Matt. 12:41, 42 Luke 11:31, 32. Matt. 23:31–35 Luke 11:49–51. Matt. 25:14–30 Luke 19:12–27. Mark 6:11; Luke 13:6–9; Luke 21:1–4; John 3:18, 19; John 12:48; John 15:22, 24; Acts 17:30, 31; Rom. 12:3, 6–8; Eph. 4:7; 1 Tim. 6:20 See JUDGMENT, ACCORDING TO OPPORTUNITY; PRIVILEGE.1

Responsibility—accountability for one’s actions

A.     Shifting of, by:

Blaming another     Gen. 3:12Claiming innocency     Matt. 27:24Blaming a people     Ex. 32:21–24

B.     Cannot be excused by:

Ignorance     Acts 17:30, 31Unbelief     John 3:18–20Previous good     Ex. 33:12, 13One’s ancestors     Matt. 3:9, 10

C.     Is increased by:

Sight     John 9:39–41Privilege     John 15:22, 24Opportunity     Matt. 11:20–24Continuance in sin     Matt. 23:31–35Rejection     Matt. 10:11–15

2

RESPONSIBILITYAttempt to shift responsibility, Genesis 3:13.Accusation, responsibility, Genesis 16:5.Seeking substitute for responsibility, Exodus 4:10–13 (See 6:30).The Lord delegates responsibility, Deuteronomy 1:9–18.Responsibility delegated to father-in-law, Exodus 18:13–26.Conditions for experiencing God’s blessing, Exodus 15:26.Remembering, following, perpetuating, divine teaching, Deuteronomy 4:9.

1Swanson, James ; Nave, Orville: New Nave's. Oak Harbor : Logos Research Systems, 1994

2Thomas Nelson Publishers: Nelson's Quick Reference Topical Bible Index. Nashville, Tenn. : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995 (Nelson's Quick Reference), S. 528

Experience brings responsibility, Deuteronomy 11:26–28.Taking care of business, Deuteronomy 20:5–9.Responsibility for individual guilt, Deuteronomy 24:16; Job 19:4; Jeremiah 31:30; Ezekiel 18:20.Delegated responsibility, 1 Kings 4:7.Assigned gatekeepers, 1 Chronicles 9:22–27.Willingly assuming responsibility, Nehemiah 10:32, 35.Personal grief put aside to lead people, 2 Samuel 19:1–8.Responsibility for warning wicked, Ezekiel 3:17–19.Family responsibility for sin, Ezekiel 18:4–20.Responsibility of watchman, Ezekiel 33:1–9.Privilege brings responsibility, Amos 3:2.Refusal to accept responsibility, Jonah 1:3.Responsible for nation’s sin, Micah 1:13.Burden of responsibility lightened, Matthew 11:28–30.Wrong influence over children, Matthew 18:6.Use of talents, Matthew 25:14–30.Washing hands of crucifixion responsibility, Matthew 27:24.Forgetting to bring necessities, Mark 8:14.Care of unproductive fig tree, Luke 13:6–9.Influencing others to sin, Luke 17:1.Doing one’s duty, Luke 17:10.Responsible stewardship, Luke 21:1–4.Personal responsibility to hearing truth, John 3:18–19.Those who truly care for the sheep, John 10:11–14.Delegating distribution of welfare, Acts 6:1–4.Responsibility to all cultures, Romans 1:14–17.Result of Adam’s disobedience, Romans 5:12.Responsibility for those who are weak, Romans 15:1.Teamwork in reaching others, 1 Corinthians 3:6–9.Entrusted with secret things of God, 1 Corinthians 4:1–2.Leadership regarding gifts of Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:27–30.Aim for perfection, 2 Corinthians 13:11.Carrying one’s own load, Galatians 6:5.Responsible for joy of others, Philippians 1:26.Do not neglect your gift, 1 Timothy 4:14.Families should take care of those in need, 1 Timothy 5:3–8.Responsibility of obtaining wealth, 1 Timothy 6:17–19.Responsibility to proclaim message, Titus 1:1–3.Given responsibility for one’s own affairs, Titus 1:5.Providing for personal needs, Titus 3:14.Human responsibility for evil, James 1:13–15.Responsibility for teaching content, James 3:1.Responsibility ignored, James 4:17.All must give account of themselves, 1 Peter 4:4–6.Seeing light, walking in darkness, 2 Peter 2:21.

3

ResponsibilityCharacter – the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life – is the source from which self-respect springs.Joan Didion

When the freedom they wished for most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again.Edith Hamilton

Do you realize the responsibility I carry? I’m the only person standing between Richard Nixon and the White House.John F. Kennedy

4

RESPONSIBILITY

Chosen for ResponsibilityGod told the Israelites that He was driving out the Canaanite nations from the Promised Land

(Ex. 34:11), but it’s important to interpret this promise in light of the covenant that preceded it (Ex. 34:1–10).

The covenant established the Israelites as God’s chosen people. However, chosenness did not imply natural superiority. As Moses pointed out, Israel was “a stiff-necked people” who needed pardon from iniquity and sin (Ex. 34:9). Indeed, God chose the Hebrews not because of anything special about them, but because of His own love and sovereign will (Deut. 7:7–8).

Then why were the Israelites told to drive out the Canaanites from the Promised Land, and in some cases to destroy them entirely? Because “chosenness” in the Bible means responsibility. Israel’s God-given responsibility was to establish the reign of God in the land. Thus, exterminating the “enemy” was a religious campaign, not a war of “ethnic cleansing.” The point was to remove the Canaanites’ idolatry and pagan practices. Canaanites who submitted to the God of Israel and surrendered were to be spared, as Rahab was (Josh 2:8–13; 6:17).

Given the racial and ethnic strife in the world today, often arising from religious roots, it’s important to understand what it means to be “chosen” by God. To be “chosen” does not make one better than one’s neighbors, but more responsible to treat them as God would treat them.Shared Responsibility

3Anderson, Ken: Where to Find It in the Bible. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1996

4Water, Mark: The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations. Alresford, Hampshire : John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000, S. 863

There is an interesting tension in the relationship between God and His people. One the one hand, we human beings are fully responsible and accountable for planning, organizing, and directing our lives. Yet on the other hand, we need to be fully aware that God is accomplishing His purposes in, through, and sometimes despite our plans and efforts (Prov. 16:9).

Scripture often affirms this shared responsibility between us as human beings and God as the sovereign Lord of the universe. For example, the New Testament exhorts us to “work out” our salvation—that is, to make responsible choices on a day-to-day basis in light of our eternal salvation; yet it adds that God is at work in us “both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12–13).

Are you fulfilling your part of your relationship with God? Are you making wise choices based on what He has said in the Bible? Are you trusting Him to fulfill His part?

For more on this topic, see AUTHORITY, “A Symbol of Authority and Responsibility,” page 27; EXCUSES, “Aaron’s Excuses,” page 138.5

BIBLICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP EACH OTHER GROWThough God uses human effort and relationships in spiritual development, He is the ultimate source of our spiritual growth as Paul indicated: “The entire body...grows with a growth which is from God” (Col. 2:19). We should practice interpersonal ministry to help each other grow, but Lawrence Richards reminds us that “only in God, by virtue of an intimate relationship with Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit can any of us hope to live a vital spiritual life.”3

Spiritual growth is rooted in the individual’s relationship to God through Christ. The numerical and spiritual growth of the church depends directly on the addition of individual believers and the individual spiritual growth of its believers (Acts 9:31). Thus believers are first responsible to nurture their own personal growth. Others can teach us biblical truth, but we must personally receive, retain, and obey that truth to grow in Christ. Others can encourage us in biblical memorization and meditation and exemplify these practices to us, but only we can receive, chew, and digest our individual spiritual food. Surrogate spiritual development is not part of God’s plan.

However, the responsibility of believers goes beyond nurturing their own spiritual lives and receiving help from others for their spiritual growth. Believers are responsible to help others grow spiritually so that the whole body of Christ grows through reciprocal ministry (Eph. 4:11–16).

Christians may struggle with apathy and irresponsibility, which hinder their personal spiritual growth and their interpersonal ministry to help others grow. But we can overcome these negatives through discipline and responsible action empowered by the Spirit. Believers who are experiencing dynamic spiritual growth are best prepared to encourage and edify others in their

5Thomas Nelson Publishers: What Does the Bible Say About-- : The Ultimate A to Z Resource Fully Illustrated. Nashville, Tenn. : Thomas Nelson, 2001 (Nelson's A to Z Series), S. 340

33 Richards, A Practical Theology of Spirituality, 28–29.

Christian faith. “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11).Responsibility Based on Our Membership in Christ’s BodyThe Spirit unites believers with Christ, the Head of the church, and with other believers as members of His body (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12–13; Col. 1:18). Membership in Christ’s body gives us some wonderful privileges and some important responsibilities.

Our first responsibility is to submit to Christ as our Head. And through the Spirit’s power we can submit to His headship by following His directions.

If we obey Christ’s directions, then we can depend on Him as our Head to nurture, sustain, preserve, guide, and empower us (Eph. 5:23–30). And obedience to Christ is essential to minister effectively to other believers, to receive ministry from them, and to grow together in Christ (4:11–16).Responsibility Based on Our Interdependency in Christ’s BodyMany people highly value independency and self-sufficiency, and deplore slackers and freeloaders. However, we can overdo independency and behave as loners even though we are members of Christ’s body and of one another. The words from a song, “No man is an island; no man stands alone,” are relevant to the members of Christ’s body. Human interdependency is firmly grounded in Scripture. As Richards observes, “From early Genesis we learn that humans cannot live isolated lives. People were not intended to live alone.”4 And in the case of Christians, “We are linked by God’s Spirit to Jesus and to each other, and our life is intended to be lived in supportive, caring community.”5 Isolationism contradicts our membership in the body of Christ and our responsibility for interpersonal ministry in the body (1 Cor. 12:12–27).

Rather, Christians should function like Velcro which has tiny hooks that reach out and interlock with each other so that two items are held together. Christians must reach out and interact with each other to maintain unity and attain spiritual maturity.

Believers may know that Christ expects interpersonal relationships and reciprocal ministry among the members in His body and yet practice a covert isolationism and protectionism in the body. They believe that close fellowship is not worth the hassle because it creates too many relational problems. The Lord knew about these risks of close human interaction when He united believers as a body. Still, He commands believers to practice togetherness and to function as interdependent members (Rom. 12:5–8; 1 Cor. 12–14; Eph. 4:3; Phil. 2:1–2). Trying to bond together with other Christians may seem like a group of porcupines huddling together on a cold night. Closeness with Christians from diverse backgrounds can become “sticky business.” But keeping our distance from other believers to escape relational headaches is not justifiable except in the case of a professed believer who is living in flagrant sin (1 Cor. 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14–15).

Some believers have tried to have interpersonal relationships and ministry with their fellow believers, but they have stopped trying because they have been severely hurt. They react to their negative experience with a “never again” attitude and consequently keep aloof from spiritual intimacy with other believers. But believers with a protectionist attitude hinder their own spiritual growth and that of others. Trying to help others grow does not work well from long distance or when relational barriers have been erected.

Christ our Head planned for His bodily members to grow through loving service to each other. And we grow most when we resolve conflicts and hurts with other believers rather than

44 Ibid., 85.

55 Ibid., 88–89.

denying or avoiding these relational barriers. Withdrawing from others without biblical justification, giving the silent treatment, or denying differences between persons does not build either a healthy marriage or a healthy relationship between believers. However, in both marriage and relating to other believers, we can strengthen our love, unity, and appreciation by working through our differences.

If we have an attitude of independency and aloofness from other members in the body of Christ, we need to repent and be humble before God and replace it with an attitude of interdependency with other believers. Then we can fulfill our biblical roles and responsibilities in the body of Christ so that we edify other members (Rom. 14:19), we ourselves are edified, and we glorify God.

I think of Ernest who willingly served in a local church but suffered burnout from the overload of “Christian work” that others unwisely foisted on him. Ernest left his local church with a bitter attitude and remained detached from Christian fellowship. He should have worked with his Christian brothers and sisters and they with him to find a better approach—a biblical approach that could lighten his load, help him mature spiritually, and strengthen his fellowship with other believers.

Susan presents a different scenario. She considers her local church her second family, and she readily receives love, care, and counsel from other Christians. Through her Christian faith and the support of other believers, Susan has overcome personal addictions, and she seeks to respond to her addictive and dysfunctional husband according to biblical principles. Her dynamic faith and growth encourage other Christians so that she contributes significantly to the body of Christ.

Follow Ernest’s choices and you will become bitter, spiritually stunted, and alienated from other believers. Follow Susan’s example and you will become more spiritual, fruitful, and united with other believers.6

Nature

     I.     Responsibilities toward Nature     A.     Praise God as Creator of Nature

Ps. 33:1, 8–9; Prov. 3:19–20; Isa. 40:25–28; Isa. 42:5, 10–12; Isa. 45:5–12, 18; Jer. 10:11–13; Rev. 10:6

     B.     Maintain a Sense of Wonder at Nature     1.     The Beauty of Nature

Eccles. 3:11; Eccles. 11:7     2.     The Complexity of Nature

Job 38:1–41; Job 39:1–30; Job 40:6–7, 15–24; Job 41:1–34; Ps. 139:13–16     3.     The Orderliness of Nature

Job 36:22–33; Ps. 19:1–6; Ps. 104:1–32

6Swindoll, Charles R. ; Zuck, Roy B.: Understanding Christian Theology. Nashville, Tenn. : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003, S. 1060

     4.     The Sustaining of Nature by GodPs. 75:3; Ps. 147:1–18; Matt. 10:29–31; Acts 17:24–28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 2:10

     5.     The Vastness of NatureGen. 2:1; Job 38:4, 7, 16, 18, 24, 31; Ps. 8:3–4; Ps. 103:15–16; Ps. 139:7–12; Isa. 40:6–8; Isa. 40:12–15; Isa. 40:21–22

     C.     Recognize Humankind’s Association with Nature     1.     Humankind and Nature Were Both Created by God

Gen. 1:1, 11, 21, 25, 27, 31; John 1:1–3; Acts 17:24; 1 Cor. 8:6; 1 Cor. 15:27–28; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:15–16; Heb. 11:3; Rev. 4:11

     2.     Humankind and Nature Have Things in Commona)     They Hope through Christ Together

Rom. 8:19–21; Eph. 1:9–10; Col. 1:19–20b)     They Praise God Together

Ps. 19:1–6; Ps. 96:10–13; Ps. 148:1–13c)     They Suffer Together

Lev. 18:25; Rom. 8:18, 20–22     3.     Humankind Is the Steward of Nature

Gen. 1:26–30; Gen. 2:15; Ps. 8:5–8; Ps. 115:16     D.     Join with Creation in Anticipating God’s Future Work in Nature

Isa. 35:1–10; Rom. 8:19–25     E.     Remember That God Will Recreate Nature

Isa. 11:6–9; Isa. 65:17–25; Isa. 66:22; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1     II.     Responsibilities toward Other People

     A.     Duties to Specific Groups of People     1.     Responsibilities of Husbands toward Wives

a)     Husbands Are to Be Intimate with Their Wives1 Cor. 7:3–5

b)     Husbands Are to Comfort Their Wives1 Sam. 1:8

c)     Husbands Are to Enjoy Their WivesEccles. 9:9

d)     Husbands Are to Love Their WivesEph. 5:25–29, 33; Col. 3:19

e)     Husbands Are to Please Their Wives1 Cor. 7:33

     Husbands Are to Praise Their WivesProv. 31:28–30

g)     Husbands Are to Remain Faithful to Their WivesGen. 2:23–24; Exod. 20:14; Prov. 5:15–19; Mal. 2:14–15; Matt. 19:3–9; 1 Cor. 7:2

h)     Husbands Are to Respect Their WivesProv. 31:11; 1 Pet. 3:7

     2.     Responsibilities of Wives toward Husbandsa)     Wives Are to Be Intimate with Their Husbands

1 Cor. 7:3–5

b)     Wives Are to Love Their HusbandsTitus 2:4

c)     Wives Are to Please Their HusbandsProv. 12:4; 1 Cor. 7:33–34

d)     Wives Are to Remain Faithful to Their HusbandsExod. 20:14; Rom. 7:2–3; 1 Cor. 7:2; 1 Cor. 7:10; 1 Cor. 7:39

e)     Wives Are to Respect Their HusbandsEph. 5:33

     Wives Are to Submit to Their HusbandsEph. 5:22–24; Col. 3:18; Titus 2:4–5; 1 Pet. 3:1–6

     3.     Responsibilities toward Aliens (Foreigners)a)     God’s Attitude toward AliensGod Considers the Oppression of Aliens a Serious Offense

Jer. 7:2–7; Ezek. 22:29, 31God Forbids the Oppression of Aliens

Jer. 22:3; Zech. 7:8–10God Forgives Aliens

Num. 15:22–26God Loves Aliens

Deut. 10:17–18God Promises Salvation for Aliens

Isa. 56:1–8God Promises to Punish the Oppressors

of AliensEzek. 22:7, 13, 29, 31; Mal. 3:5

God Protects AliensPs. 146:9

God Provides for AliensDeut. 26:1–11

b)     The Believer’s Duty to AliensConsider Aliens Equal in Status

Ezek. 47:21–23Consider Aliens Part of God’s Covenant People

Deut. 29:9–15; Deut. 31:12; Josh. 8:33–35; Isa. 14:1Demonstrate Hospitality to Aliens

Matt. 25:34–35; Heb. 13:2Despise the Oppression of Aliens

Ps. 94:1–6Do No Oppress Aliens

Exod. 23:9Give Liberally to Aliens

Lev. 19:9–10; Lev. 23:22; Lev. 25:35–37; Deut. 14:28–29; Deut. 24:19–21Involve Aliens in the Religious Community

Exod. 12:17–19; Exod. 12:43–49; Exod. 20:8–11; Exod. 23:12; Lev. 22:17–19; Deut. 16:9–12; Deut. 16:13–15

Love Aliens as One’s Own PeopleLev. 19:34; Deut. 10:19

Maintain Equal Justice for AliensLev. 24:22; Deut. 1:16–17; Deut. 24:17; Deut. 27:19; Job 29:16

Show Respect for AliensDeut. 23:7–8

Subject Aliens to the Same Legal Restrictions and Privileges as IsraelitesLev. 17:8–16; Lev. 18:26; Lev. 20:2; Lev. 24:15–16; Num. 9:14; Num. 15:14–16, 29–30; Josh. 20:2–3, 9; Ezek. 14:7–8

Treat Aliens with FairnessExod. 22:21; Lev. 19:33; Deut. 24:14–15

     4.     Responsibilities toward Childrena)     The Believer’s Attitude toward ChildrenDiscipline Children

Prov. 13:24; Prov. 19:18; Prov. 23:13; Prov. 29:17; Heb. 12:7–9Have Compassion for Children

Ps. 103:13Love Children

Isa. 49:15; Titus 2:4Pray for Children

2 Sam. 12:15–17; 1 Chron. 29:19; Job 1:5Provide for Children

Job 42:15; Prov. 19:14; 2 Cor. 12:14Respect Children

Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21Train Children in the Lord’s Way

Deut. 11:18–21; Deut. 32:46; Prov. 22:6; Isa. 38:19; Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:14–15b)     Examples of Love for ChildrenHagar Showed Love for a Child

Gen. 21:14–19Laban Showed Love for Children

Gen. 31:55Jacob Showed Love for a Child

Gen. 44:20, 30–34David Showed Love for a Child

2 Sam. 13:37–38Mary and Joseph Showed Love for a Child

Luke 2:41–51Jairus Showed Love for a Child

Mark 5:21–23A Royal Official Showed Love for a Child

John 4:46–47, 49     5.     Responsibilities toward Civil Authorities

a)     Honor Civil AuthoritiesRom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17

b)     Pray for Civil Authorities1 Tim. 2:1–2

c)     Submit to Civil AuthoritiesRom. 13:1–6; 1 Pet. 2:13–16

     6.     Responsibilities toward the Elderlya)     Care for the Elderly

1 Tim. 5:4, 8b)     Encourage the Elderly

1 Tim. 5:1–2; Titus 2:2–3c)     Respect the Elderly

Lev. 19:32; Job 32:6–7; 1 Pet. 5:5     7.     Responsibilities toward Enemies

a)     The Believer’s Duty to EnemiesBe Merciful to Enemies

Exod. 23:4–5; Matt. 5:7; Luke 6:36; Rom. 12:17, 19–21Bless Enemies

Luke 6:28; Rom. 12:14; 1 Cor. 4:12; 1 Pet. 3:9Do Good to Enemies

Prov. 25:21–22; Luke 6:27–31, 35; 1 Cor. 4:13Forgive Enemies

Matt. 6:12, 14–15; Matt. 18:21–35; Luke 17:3–4Love Enemies

Matt. 5:43–48; Luke 6:27, 32–35Pray for Enemies

Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:28Withhold Judgment from Enemies

Job 31:29–30; Prov. 24:17–18; Rom. 12:19b)     Examples of Forgiving EnemiesEsau Forgave an Enemy

Gen. 33:1–11Joseph Forgave His Enemies

Gen. 45:5–15; Gen. 50:15–21David Forgave an Enemy

1 Sam. 24:8–12; 1 Sam. 26:21–25Jesus Forgave His Enemies

Luke 23:33–34Stephen Forgave His Enemies

Acts 7:59–60Paul Forgave His Enemies

2 Tim. 4:16     8.     Responsibilities toward the Fatherless (Orphans)

a)     God’s Attitude toward OrphansGod Cares for Orphans

Ps. 68:5; Hos. 14:3God Considers the Oppression of Orphans a Serious Offense

Jer. 7:2–7

God Defends OrphansDeut. 10:17–18; Ps. 10:17–18

God Helps OrphansPs. 10:14

God Prohibits the Oppression of OrphansJer. 22:3; Zech. 7:8, 10

God Promises to Punish the Oppressors of OrphansExod. 22:22–24; Isa. 1:23–25; Isa. 10:1–2; Jer. 5:27–29; Ezek. 22:7, 13; Mal. 3:5

God Protects OrphansJer. 49:11

God Provides for OrphansDeut. 14:28–29; Deut. 26:12–13

God Sustains OrphansPs. 146:9

b)     The Believer’s Duty to OrphansCare for Orphans

Job 31:16–19, 21–23; James 1:27Detest the Oppression of Orphans

Ps. 94:1–6; Prov. 23:10Entreat God to Deliver Orphans

Job 24:1–3; Ps. 82:3Give Generously to Orphans

Deut. 24:19–21Involve Orphans in the Religious Community

Deut. 16:9–11; Deut. 16:13–15Treat Orphans Justly

Deut. 24:17–18; Deut. 27:19; Isa. 1:17     9.     Responsibilities toward Laborers

a)     God’s Attitude toward LaborersGod Condemns Injustice toward Laborers

Jer. 22:13God Hears the Cry of Laborers

Deut. 24:14–15God Punishes Those Who Oppress Laborers

Mal. 3:5b)     The Believer’s Duty toward LaborersBe Merciful to Laborers

Lev. 25:39–32Require Fairness toward Laborers

Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14–15; Luke 10:1, 7; Rom. 4:4; 1 Tim. 5:18Respect Laborers as Creations of God

Job 31:13–15; Luke 7:2; Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1     10.     Responsibilities toward Neighbors

a)     God’s Attitude toward Neighbors

God Hears the Pleadings of NeighborsExod. 22:26–27

God Makes a Covenant-Promise to Save NeighborsJer. 31:31–34

God Promises to Punish the Oppressors of NeighborsJer. 9:8–9; Hab. 2:15–16

b)     The Believer’s Duty to NeighborsAdminister Justice toward Your Neighbor

Lev. 19:17; Lev. 20:10; Deut. 19:4–6, 11–12Avoid Coveting the Belongings

of Your NeighborExod. 20:17; Eccles. 4:4

Avoid False Testimony against Your NeighborExod. 20:16; Prov. 3:28–29; Prov. 24:28; Prov. 25:18

Avoid Immorality against Your NeighborLev. 18:20

Be Considerate of Your NeighborExod. 22:26–27; Lev. 19:16; Deut. 24:10–13; Prov. 14:21; Prov. 25:17; Prov. 27:14

Build Up Your NeighborRom. 15:2

Hate Wickedness toward NeighborsPs. 12:1–2; Ps. 28:2–3; Ps. 101:3–5

Live Righteously before Your NeighborPs. 15:2, 5

Love Your Neighbor as YourselfLev. 19:18; Mark 12:28–34; Luke 10:25–37; Rom. 13:8–10; Gal. 5:13–15; James 2:8

Maintain the Integrity of Your NeighborProv. 11:9; Prov. 11:12; Prov. 16:29; Prov. 26:18–19

Make Restitution for Wrongdoings against Your NeighborLev. 6:1–5

Preserve the Innocence of a Guiltless Neighbor1 Kings 8:22–23, 31–32

Speak Truthfully to Your NeighborEph. 4:25

Treat Your Neighbor with FairnessLev. 19:13; Lev. 19:15; Deut. 19:14; Deut. 27:17; James 4:11–12

     11.     Responsibilities toward the Oppresseda)     God’s Attitude toward the OppressedGod Defends the Oppressed

Job 36:6; Ps. 9:9; Ps. 72:2, 4; Ps. 103:6; Ps. 146:7; Isa. 14:32; Jer. 50:33–34God Delivers the Oppressed

from Their OppressorsJudg. 10:11–12; 1 Sam. 10:17–18; Ps. 72:12, 14; Ps. 76:8–9; Ps. 106:42–43; Isa. 26:5–6

God Gives Hope to the OppressedPs. 9:18; Isa. 54:11; Zeph. 3:19–20

God Hears the Cry of the OppressedPs. 9:12; Ps. 10:17–18; Ps. 22:24; Ps. 106:44–46

God Is Compassionate to the OppressedJudg. 2:18; Neh. 9:27; Isa. 49:13

God Promises to Punish OppressorsIsa. 10:1–3; Amos 2:6–7

b)     The Believer’s Duty to the OppressedEncourage the Oppressed

Job 6:14; Ps. 34:2; Isa. 1:17Help the Oppressed

Isa. 58:6–11; 1 Tim. 5:9–10Petition God on Behalf of the Oppressed

Ps. 74:18–21; Ps. 82:3–4     12.     Responsibilities toward Parents

a)     The Believer’s Attitude toward ParentsBe a Blessing to Your Parents

Prov. 10:1; Prov. 17:6; Prov. 23:22–25; Prov. 27:11; Prov. 29:17Care and Provide for Your Parents

Mark 7:10–13; 1 Tim. 5:4, 8Honor Your Parents

Exod. 20:12; Mal 1:6; Matt. 15:1–6; Luke 18:19–20; Eph. 6:2–3Love Your Parents

Gen. 46:29Obey Your Parents

Prov. 1:8–9; Prov. 3:1–2; Prov. 4:1–4, 10–11, 20–22; Prov. 5:1; Prov. 6:20–23; Prov. 13:1; Eph. 6:1; Col. 3:20

Praise Your ParentsProv. 31:28, 30

Respect Your ParentsLev. 19:3; 1 Tim. 3:4; Heb. 12:9

b)     Examples of Honoring and Obeying ParentsShem and Japheth Honored Their Parent(s)

Gen. 9:23Isaac Honored His Parent(s)

Gen. 22:6–12Joseph Honored His Parent(s)

Gen. 45:8–11; Gen. 47:11–12Jephthah’s Daughter Honored Her Parent(s)

Judg. 11:34, 36Ruth Honored Her Parent(s)

Ruth 1:15–18Timothy Honored His Parent(s)

2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:14–15     13.     Responsibilities toward the Poor

a)     God’s Attitude toward the Poor

God Forbids the Oppression of the PoorZech. 7:10

God Gives Hope to the PoorPs. 9:18; Ps. 14:4–7; Ps. 40:17

God Has Compassion for the PoorPs. 72:13

God Hears the Cry of the PoorJob 34:28; Ps. 34:6; Ps. 69:32–33; Ps. 86:1; Isa. 41:17

God Intervenes on Behalf of the PoorPs. 109:30–31; Ps. 140:12; Prov. 22:22–23; Isa. 11:4

God Promises to Deliver the PoorPs. 107:41; Isa. 14:29–30; Isa. 29:19

God Promises to Punish Those Who Oppress the PoorProv. 17:5; Isa. 3:14–15; Isa. 10:1–3; Amos 2:6–7; Amos 5:11

God Protects the PoorPs. 12:5; Isa. 25:4

God Provides for the PoorExod. 23:10–11; Ps. 22:26; Ps. 68:10; Ps. 132:15

God Rescues the Poor1 Sam. 2:8; Job 5:15–16; Ps. 35:10; Ps. 70:5; Ps. 113:7; Jer. 20:13

God Restores the PoorPs. 68:9–10; Ps. 145:14; Ps. 146:5–8; Isa. 29:18–19; Isa. 40:28–31

b)     The Believer’s Duty to the PoorAdminister Justice Equitably to the Poor

Exod. 23:3, 6; Lev. 19:15; Prov. 22:22–23; Prov. 29:7; Jer. 5:28; Jer. 22:15–16Be Kind to the Poor

Deut. 24:10, 12–13; Prov. 14:21; Prov. 14:31; Prov. 19:17; Prov. 28:8Give Liberally to the Poor

Lev. 19:9–10; Deut. 15:7–11; Ps. 37:21, 26; Ps. 112:4–5, 9; Prov. 22:9; Prov. 28:27; Matt. 6:2–4; Matt. 19:16–21; Gal. 2:10

Help Meet the Needs of the PoorProv. 21:13; Prov. 31:20

Love the Poor1 Cor. 13:3

Make Provisions for the PoorExod. 22:25; Lev. 14:21–22, 32; Lev. 27:8

Oppose the Oppression of the PoorJob 24:1–12; Ps. 37:14–17; Prov. 31:9; Isa. 32:7

Pray for the Deliverance of the PoorPs. 74:18, 21; Ps. 82:2–4

Respect the Poor as Fellow CreaturesProv. 22:2; Prov. 29:13

Show Compassion to the Poor2 Sam. 12:1–6; Job 30:25

Treat the Poor FairlyDeut. 24:14–15

c)     Examples of Giving Generously to the PoorBoaz Gave to the Poor

Ruth 2:15–19Job Gave to the Poor

Job 29:11–16; Job 31:16–23The Jews Gave to the Poor

Esther 9:20–22Nehemiah Gave to the Poor

Neh. 8:10, 12Zacchaeus Gave to the Poor

Luke 19:8The Jerusalem Church Gave to the Poor

Acts 4:34–35Dorcas Gave to the Poor

Acts 9:36Cornelius Gave to the Poor

Acts 10:2–4The Church at Antioch Gave to the Poor

Acts 11:27–30The Macedonian and Achaian Believers Gave to the Poor

Rom. 15:25–27; 2 Cor. 8:1–3Paul Gave to the Poor

Acts 20:35     14.     Responsibilities toward Widows

a)     God’s Attitude toward WidowsGod Condemns the Oppressors of Widows

Exod. 22:22–24; Isa. 1:23–25; Isa. 10:1–2; Jer. 7:2–7; Ezek. 22:7, 13; Mal. 3:5; Luke 20:45–47God Defends Widows

Deut. 10:17–18; Ps. 68:5; Luke 18:2–8God Forbids the Oppression of Widows

Jer. 22:3; Zech. 7:10God Praises a Widow’s Generosity

Mark 12:41–44God Protects Widows

Jer. 49:11God Provides for Widows

Deut. 24:17–19; Deut. 26:12–13God Sustains Widows

Ps. 146:9; Prov. 15:25b)     The Believer’s Duty to WidowsAbhor the Oppression of Widows

Job 24:3, 21–22, 24Appeal to God for Deliverance of Widows

Job 24:1–3; Ps. 94:1–6Be Considerate of Widows

Deut. 24:17

Care for Widows1 Tim. 5:3–5, 7–14, 16; James 1:27

Give Liberally to WidowsDeut. 24:19–21

Grant Equal Justice to WidowsDeut. 27:19; Isa. 1:17

Involve Widows in the Religious CommunityDeut. 16:9–11; Deut. 16:13–15

c)     Examples of Ministering to WidowsJob Ministered to Widows

Job 29:11, 13–14; Job 31:16–19, 22–23The Jerusalem Church Ministered

to WidowsActs 6:1–5

Dorcas Ministered to WidowsActs 9:36–42

     B.     Duties to Other People in General or Other Christians     1.     Accept Mutual Accountability toward Others

Matt. 18:15–17; Luke 17:3–4; Gal. 6:1–2; James 5:16     2.     Be at Peace with Others

Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14     3.     Be Compassionate toward Others

Zech. 7:9; Eph. 4:32; 1 Pet. 3:8; 12 John 3:17     4.     Be Generous toward Others

a)     Our Duty to Be GenerousProv. 3:9–10; Eccles. 11:1–2; Luke 6:38; 2 Cor. 8:6–8, 10–15, 24; Gal. 2:10; 1 Tim. 6:18; Heb. 13:16

b)     Examples of GenerosityThe Antiochian Believers Were Generous

Acts 11:27–30Barnabas Was Generous

Acts 4:36–37The Corinthian Believers Were Generous

1 Cor. 16:3; 2 Cor. 8:10The Jerusalem Believers Were Generous

Acts 2:44–45; Acts 4:32, 34–35The Macedonian and Achaian Believers Were Generous

Rom. 15:25–28; 2 Cor. 8:1–5The Philippian Believers Were Generous

Phil. 4:10, 14–19     5.     Be a Good Example for Others

Matt. 5:13–16; Rom. 13:7; 2 Cor. 8:21; 1 Thess. 4:11–12; 1 Tim. 4:12     6.     Be Kind to Others

a)     Our Duty to Be KindEph. 4:32; 1 Thess. 5:15; 2 Tim. 2:24; 2 Pet. 1:5–7

b)     An Example of Kindness: PeterActs 4:8–10

     7.     Be Patient with OthersMatt. 7:1–3; Rom. 14:1–5, 10–13; Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:14; James 4:11–12

     8.     Be Wise toward OthersCol. 4:5–6

     9.     Defend the Faith before Others1 Pet. 3:15

     10.     Do Good to OthersMatt. 7:12; Matt. 25:31–40; Gal. 6:9–10; 1 Pet. 2:15–16

     11.     Forgive OthersMatt. 6:14–15; Matt. 18:21–22; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; Luke 17:3–4; 2 Cor. 2:6–7, 10; Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13

     12.     Give Good Counsel to Othersa)     Our Duty to Give Good CounselWe Are to Edify One Another

Rom. 14:19–21; Rom. 15:2; 1 Cor. 8:1; 1 Cor. 10:23–24; 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 4:29; 1 Thess. 5:11We Are to Encourage One Another

Rom. 1:11–12; 1 Thess. 4:18; 1 Thess. 5:11; 1 Thess. 5:14; Heb. 3:13; Heb. 10:24–25We Are to Instruct One Another

Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:24–26We Are to Rebuke One Another

1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 2:15We Are to Warn One Another

1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:14–15; 2 Tim. 2:14b)     Examples of Giving Good CounselBarnabas Gave Good Counsel

Acts 11:22–23The Ephesian Believers Gave Good Counsel

Acts 18:24, 26–27Judas and Silas Gave Good Counsel

Acts 15:32Paul Gave Good Counsel

Acts 16:40; Acts 20:1–2; 2 Cor. 13:2; Col. 1:28; 1 Thess. 2:11–12; 1 Thess. 4:6Timothy Gave Good Counsel

1 Thess. 3:2–3Tychicus Gave Good Counsel

Eph. 6:21–22; Col. 4:7–9     13.     Honor Others

Rom. 12:10; Rom. 13:7; Phil. 2:29–30; 1 Tim. 5:17     14.     Live at Peace with Others

Ps. 34:14; Rom. 14:19; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13; James 3:17–18     15.     Live in Harmony (Unity) with Others

a)     Our Duty to Live in HarmonyPs. 133:1; John 17:20–23; Rom. 15:5–7; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; Gal. 5:15; Phil. 1:27; Phil. 2:1–2; Phil. 4:2; 1 Pet. 3:8

b)     An Example of Living in Harmony: The Jerusalem ChurchActs 4:32

     16.     Love Othersa)     Our Duty to Love Others

Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:43–46; Matt. 22:35–40; John 15:12–17; Rom. 12:9–10; Rom. 13:8–10; 1 Cor. 16:14; Gal. 5:13–14; Eph. 5:1–2; 1 Thess. 3:12; 1 Thess. 4:9–10; Heb. 10:24; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 Pet. 2:17; 1 Pet. 3:8; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 Pet. 5:14; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 4:7–21

b)     A Description of Loving Others1 Cor. 13:1–13

c)     Examples of Loving OthersThe Colossian Believers Showed Love

Col. 1:3–8The Hebrew Believers Showed Love

Heb. 6:10John Showed Love

2 John 1; 3 John 1Paul Showed Love

Rom. 16:8; 1 Cor. 16:24; 2 Cor. 2:4; Phil. 4:1Philemon Showed Love

Philem. 4–7The Thessalonian Believers Showed Love

1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:3     17.     Pray for Others

Eph. 6:19–20; Col. 4:3–4; 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1–2; 1 Tim. 2:1; Heb. 13:18–19; James 5:16     18.     Proclaim the Gospel by Word and Deed

a)     The Content of the ProclamationChrist

Acts 5:42; Acts 8:5; Acts 17:2–3; 2 Cor. 1:18–19; Gal. 1:15–16; Phil. 1:15–18; Col. 1:28; 2 Tim. 1:8; 1 John 1:1; 1 John 4:14

Christ as Lord2 Cor. 4:5

The Christian MessageRom. 10:8–9; 2 Tim. 4:17; 1 Pet. 1:23–24

The Death and Resurrection of ChristActs 4:33; Acts 26:22–23

Eternal Life1 John 1:2

Forgiveness of SinsActs 13:38–39

GodActs 17:23; 1 Cor. 2:1

The Good News (Gospel) of ChristActs 13:30–33; Acts 16:10; Rom. 15:19; 1 Cor. 15:1–5; Gal. 1:11–12; Col. 1:23

The Grace of GodActs 20:24; 1 Pet. 5:12

The Kingdom of GodLuke 9:60; Acts 8:12; Acts 28:23; Acts 28:31

The Mystery of ChristCol. 4:3–4

RepentanceActs 26:19–20

The Resurrection of the DeadActs 4:1–2

The Testimony about God1 Cor. 2:1

The Whole Will of GodActs 20:27

The Word of GodActs 8:25; Acts 13:5; 2 Tim. 4:1–2

b)     How the Gospel Should Be ProclaimedAs Commissioned by God

Acts 10:39–42; Rom. 1:14–16; 1 Cor. 9:16–18; 2 Cor. 5:20; Gal. 2:7–9; 1 Thess. 2:3–5By the Grace of God

Rom. 15:15–16; 1 Cor. 15:10–11In Reliance on God

2 Cor. 1:8–10Through the Holy Spirit

Luke 12:11–12; 1 Pet. 1:10–12Through the Strength of God

2 Tim. 4:17With Genuine Love

1 Thess. 2:8–10With the Help of God

Acts 26:22; 1 Thess. 2:2With Sincerity

Acts 20:22–24; Rom. 1:9–10; 2 Cor. 2:15–17c)     The Gospel Should Be Proclaimed Everywhere

7

7Elwell, Walter A. ; Buckwalter, Douglas: Topical Analysis of the Bible : With the New International Version. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Baker Book House, 1996, c1991 (Baker Reference Library 5)